Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Pensacola, Florida

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Were you injured in a Pensacola motorcycle accident caused by another driver? If so, you deserve compensation for your medical bills and rehabilitation, lost income, physical pain, and emotional suffering. But if insurance companies refuse to pay you total compensation, turn to a Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC.

Our motorcycle accident lawyer knows that recovering from a Pensacola motorcycle accident can cause you to feel stress and anxiety. Let us give you peace of mind by handling the details of your motorcycle accident case and pursuing every penny you deserve. With our comprehensive and personal approach, you can contact us whenever you have questions about your Florida motorcycle accident and expect a prompt response.

Reach out to Cardoso Law, PLLC, for a free initial claim evaluation after being injured in a Pensacola motorcycle accident. Our Pensacola personal injury lawyer can help you learn more about your legal options for pursuing compensation from the driver or other parties who caused your injuries and losses.

What Are the Florida Motorcycle Laws?

Chapter 316 of the Florida Statutes contains the state’s motorcycle laws. Under Section 316.208, a motorcycle operator has the same rights and duties as drivers of other motor vehicles. Other important Florida motorcycle laws include:

Motorcycle riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Riders 21 and older may forego a helmet if they have an insurance policy providing at least $10,000 in medical benefits coverage for injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.
Motorcycle operators must wear eye protection regardless of whether they wear a helmet.
Motorcycles must have brakes on the front and back wheels, a horn, and mirrors; may not have an exhaust system modified from factory stock; and may not have handlebars higher than the operator’s shoulders.
Motorcycles must have one or two headlights that must always remain active, in addition to a red rear reflector, a stop lamp, turn signals, and a taillight.
Motorcycle riders may not use lane split. Drivers also may not overtake a motorcycle in the same traffic lane. However, two motorcycles may ride side-by-side in the same traffic lane.
Motorcycles may not drive out of a traffic lane or off the paved roadway to pass another vehicle.
Operators may not carry any objects that prevent the driver from keeping both hands on the handlebars.
A rider carrying a passenger must have a factory-equipped seat and footrests designed for the passenger.
Motorcycle riders must have a license or endorsement.

Cardoso Law, PLLC exceeded all expectations. We were continually updated throughout the process with professional and informative information. We started the process not knowing what to expect and finished the process with a most favorable outcome. The level of commitment, service, and integrity was outstanding.

— Carol O. (5 Star Review)

Ryan was great. Although he had more important cases, he kept in constant contact and was always accessible when I needed him. My outcome far exceeded what I was expecting. I hope I never need him again but if I do. He would be the first lawyer I would call. Great lawyer and person. Highly recommend.

— Jeffrey W. (5 Star Review)

Ryan handled a very complicated case for me and represented me above and beyond what any other attorney would have. Mr. Cardoso always took my calls or called me back, and was patient with all my million questions that I asked. He won my case and if I ever need representation again his number will be the one I dial. If you want a great attorney at a great rate and win your case Ryan Cardoso is the attorney to call!

— Garry T. (5 Star Review)

Fired my son’s first attorney and trying to find another one was a nightmare. Then Mr. Cardoso name was passed on to me by a prior client of his. Wished we found him first. Mr. Cardoso is an amazing attorney that will listen to you, return your calls in a timely manner and keep you updated throughout the entire process. I honestly feel that if my son did not have Mr. Cardoso represent him, proving that he was innocence then my son would have went to jail accused of a crime that he did not commit.

— Donna H. (5 Star Review)

I received better treatment, care, and concentration than I could ever imagine out of a law office. Ryan took his time to listen to me regarding my difficult civil suit. My case was resolved very quickly in my favor. Thank you. Ryan and Mia.

— Shaun V. (5 Star Review)

How Much Is My Motorcycle Accident Case Worth?

No Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney can accurately predict how much money your motorcycle accident victims will recover. Multiple factors will affect the value of your motorcycle accident claim, including:

The severity of your motorcycle accident injuries
The financial expenses and losses that you have incurred
The insurance coverage and financial resources of liable parties
Whether you have insurance coverage that can compensate you for losses
The strength of your evidence proving the other driver’s or party’s fault
Whether you bear any responsibility for the crash

A motorcycle accident claim involving minor injuries can recover thousands of dollars, while claims involving permanent disability and disfigurement may recover six- or seven-figure settlements for compensation.

What Is the Difference Between a Motorcycle Accident and a Car Accident?

Pursuing compensation after a motorcycle accident in Pensacola is often more complicated than making a car accident claim. Differences between a Florida motorcycle accident and a car accident include the following:

Motorcycle Riders Suffer More Serious Injuries – Because riders lack protection from crashes, motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious injuries. These serious injuries lead to significant financial losses for riders, complicating the settlement process. If riders still treat their injuries when negotiating a settlement or going to trial in a motorcycle accident lawsuit, their compensation must include estimated future expenses and losses.
At-Fault Drivers May Not Have Sufficient Insurance Coverage to Fully Compensate Injured Motorcycle Riders – Florida does not require drivers to have bodily injury liability insurance coverage, so not all drivers carry the insurance coverage necessary to compensate an injured rider fully. Under those circumstances, the rider must pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver or find another option for payment, such as filing PIP claims.
At-Fault Drivers and Insurance Companies Rely on Stereotypes to Shift Blame for Accidents onto Motorcycle Operators. At–fault drivers and insurers sometimes try to avoid liability by claiming that a motorcycle operator was speeding or riding recklessly, bearing some or all the fault for the crash. When this occurs, a motorcycle rider must secure additional evidence to show they do not assume responsibility for the accident.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Motorcycle Accident in Pensacola, Florida

Actions you should take after being involved in a wreck on your motorcycle in Pensacola include:

Taking photos of the accident scene if you can.
Seeking prompt medical attention to document your injuries and begin treatment.
Keeping copies of bills, invoices, receipts of expenses, and pay stubs or income statements if you take time off work while recovering from injuries.
Requesting copies of your medical records and the police accident report.
Contact a motorcycle accident attorney from Cardoso Law, PLLC, so we may start investigating the accident and preparing your compensation claim.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers of cars, trucks, and other vehicles fail to share the road with motorcycle riders properly. Common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

Speeding drivers
Tailgating
Reckless driving
Aggressive driving/road rage
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Drowsy/fatigued driving
Distracted driving, including texting while driving

Running red lights/stop signs
Unsafe lane changes, including failing to check mirrors or use signals
Passing a motorcycle without moving to the adjacent lane
Failing to yield the right of way
Vehicle defects
Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Poor road conditions like potholes, debris, or black ice

Common Injuries Suffered in Motorcycle Accidents

A rider has no protection in an accident unless they are wearing a helmet and leather. Florida motorcycle accidents tend to cause serious physical injuries such as:

Road rash or other laceration/abrasion injuries
Burns
Broken bones
Dislocated joints
Ligament, tendon, or muscle injuries
Whiplash
Herniated disc injuries

Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Internal injuries and bleeding
Facial injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Crush injuries
Traumatic amputation

How Long Do I Have to File a Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations on personal injury cases provides a specific period to file a lawsuit. You have only two years from the date of the wreck to file suit against the driver or other parties at fault for the accident or liable for your losses.

If you file a lawsuit after the limitations period runs out and the court dismisses your case, you can lose the right to pursue financial recovery. For this reason, do not wait to talk to a Pensacola motorcycle accident attorney from Cardoso Law, PLLC. Let us help you ensure that you file your lawsuit on time.

What Damages Can I Expect to Recover from a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?

A lawsuit can provide motorcycle accident victims with money for losses and expenses they incur. The compensation you may receive from your claim includes the following:

Medical and rehabilitation expenses to treat your injuries
Costs of future long-term care if you suffer permanent disabilities from the accident
Lost wages/income if you miss time from work after the accident or loss of future earnings and employment benefits if you cannot return to work
Pain and suffering
Lost quality of life from disabilities/impairment or visible, permanent scarring or disfigurement
Repair costs to fix your motorcycle or reimbursement of your motorcycle’s value if it was totaled

Why You Need a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Pensacola to Handle Your Case

Insurance companies often make it difficult to recover full compensation for the motorcycle accident injuries and loss you sustained. You need a Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer from Cardoso Law, PLLC, who will diligently pursue the financial recovery you need by:

Investigating the crash and recovering evidence needed to prove the other party’s fault for the accident.
Calculating your expenses and losses, including estimating future medical care and needs, to determine how much compensation you may be owed.
Identifying liable parties and applicable the coverage of your insurance company
Filing claims on your behalf to begin pursuing financial recovery for you.
Relentlessly negotiating for a full and fair settlement of your claims, or taking your case to trial if litigation becomes necessary to obtain maximum compensation and justice.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Pensacola, FL Today

Talk to a Pensacola motorcycle accident lawyer about starting a compensation claim. We at Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, are here to provide the vigorous legal advocacy you need.

With a free, no-obligation consultation, we will discuss how our motorcycle accident law firm can help you get money for your injuries in a motorcycle crash. Plus, you owe us no fee unless we win compensation for you.

Cardoso Law, PLLC, serves motorcycle accident injury victims in the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent Metro Area, along the Emerald Coast, and throughout the Florida Panhandle. Contact us today.

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